Red Devils here in the Tavern are happy with how their side reacted after their Manchester Derby disappointment, as they continue to chase the runaway leaders.
Many people expected this Premier League season to be a close one, with Manchester United to be up there come the end of the season, but this isn’t how it’s turned out as a 2-1 loss in the Manchester Derby looks to have ended any hopes of ruining City’s title aspirations. But having drawn Sevilla in the next round of the Champions League, United fans will see the European stage as a possible route to a successful season.
Indeed, after the doom and gloom of losing to their rivals, things have been made even worse with news of Eric Bailly’s ankle injury being deemed as ‘serious’ by United boss Jose Mourinho.
The central-defender has failed to appear for the club since the start of November after picking up the injury on international duty with the Ivory Coast. As a huge part of the Red Devils defence so far this season, fans will be hoping he doesn’t spend too long out of the side, with them limited for options as January approaches.
With Mourinho never afraid to spend, here’s a look at THREE defenders that the gaffer should look to bring to Old Trafford.
Thomas Meunier
Jose Mourinho was attracted to the prospect of signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Thomas Meunier back in October, after the Manchester Evening News reported that Manchester United were preparing a bid for the Belgian.
Having impressed hugely during the 2016 World Cup, he earned his move to the French capital where he has continued to impress, with goals becoming ever-present in the defender’s game.
However, he’s only managed to make very few appearances this season, with right-back Dani Alves keeping him on the sidelines.
Manchester United’s interest in the 26-year-old only seems to be increasing, after he dropped a slight hint about his future on Twitter, as he continues to look all-the-more open to a move to Manchester.
Clement Lenglet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-TjlrcEuNw
Clement Lenglet current plays his football for Liga Santander side Sevilla, Manchester United’s opponents in the next round of the Champions League.
The 22-year-old has attracted some interest from both Manchester clubs ahead of the January transfer window, as they keep a close eye on the £28 million-rated central-defender.
Now with Bailly set to miss an extended amount of games out through injury, he could become a quality buy for Mourinho to fit right into his defensive rotation system.
Jose Maria Gimenez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BOQPR2IRog
Jose Maria Gimenez has become one of the rising stars of the Spanish leagues, as he continues to make a name for himself in the modern game.
Jose Mourinho displayed his interest in signing the central-defender as he looked to level out inconsistency and cover for injuries in his side, but faced stiff competition from Italian giants Juventus in pursuit of the 22-year-old.
But, as the transfer window edges closer, United have a reason to get excited after Atletico Madrid came out and said that they’d be willing to sell the defender to Mourinho, after already having a settled partnership of Stefan Savic and Diego Godin in their ranks.
United fans, thoughts?
